Las Vegas to Hoover Dam Day Trip
Add a little history and a lot of awe to your next day trip. Start in Las Vegas and end at Hoover Dam: the most impressive feat of American engineering in the Silver State (and maybe the entire country).
How Far Is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?
Hoover Dam is located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River in Nevada’s southern corner. The dam is only 36 miles from Las Vegas, which works out to a nice and easy 35-minute drive (give or take, depending on traffic and weather conditions).
Getting to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas
Most drivers headed to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas take U.S. Highway 93 south to Boulder City. Once you’re in Boulder City, continue on Highway 93 for about 7 miles to reach the dam.
Other options for Hoover Dam day trips include bus tours, shuttle services, rafting and kayaking excursions, and even helicopters.
Make sure you have a confirmed transportation plan for getting to and from Hoover Dam, too. Rideshare and taxi companies may be willing to drop you off at the landmark, but it’s much harder to secure a ride back to Las Vegas or Boulder City without prior arrangement.
What to See at Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam itself is just the beginning. Between the visitor center, memorial bridge, bronze sculptures, and guided tours, you’ll want to set aside at least an hour and a half—maybe even two or three hours if you take the hour-long Guided Dam Tour—to fully take in everything.
- Drive or walk across Hoover Dam: The top of Hoover Dam is no longer open for thru-traffic, but you can still make a loop on foot or by car. Start on the Nevada side, walk or drive across the top of the dam, then turn around and return to where you began. All vehicles must go through a security checkpoint before crossing Hoover Dam.
- Walk across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge: One of the most popular ways to see Hoover Dam is to feel its mighty power beneath your feet. This bypass bridge rises nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River and spans 1,060 feet from one side of the dam to the other, allowing for incredible photo opportunities.
- Winged Figures of the Republic: These 30-foot bronze statues welcome visitors to Hoover Dam. Don’t miss the chance to rub the toes of the sculptures—many say it brings good luck!
- Hoover Dam Visitor Center: In addition to housing exhibits, artifacts, and a rooftop observation deck, the visitor center is where you can buy official Hoover Dam tour tickets.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Hoover Dam Visitor Center and Hoover Dam’s website are the only authorized ticket sellers for Hoover Dam tours.
Stops Between Las Vegas and Hoover Dam
- Boulder City: When you visit Hoover Dam from Vegas, plan a pit stop in the adventure-packed town of Boulder City. The Boulder City / Hoover Dam Museum features fascinating dam history, while the Nevada State Railroad Museum offers train rides and larger-than-life exhibits. Dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation await if you decide to stay the night.
- Lake Mead: The spectacular Lake Mead National Recreation Area features more than 750 miles of shoreline for fun along deep canyons, steep cliffs, colorful rock formations, and dry washes. Kayaking, rafting, boating, swimming, and hiking are all great recreation options here.
